Jordan Newton back behind plate for Whitecaps

Grand Rapids Press File PhotoJordan Newton batted .267 for the Whitecaps last season with seven home runs.

COMSTOCK PARK -- From catcher to outfielder and back to catcher.

Jordan Newton, returning for a third season, gladly will say goodbye to the 2008 outfield experiment with the West Michigan Whitecaps. This year, he is the team's No. 1 catcher.

"I had fun playing in the outfield. I played a little bit in college, but I felt like catching was best for me," Newton said.

It will be the first time he will be behind the plate most of the season.

"I've been catching all spring and I'm pretty excited about the upcoming season. I had the best spring training in my career, but the main thing I got back to feeling comfortable behind the plate," Newton said.

Newton, a sixth-round draft pick of the Detroit Tigers in 2006 out of Western Kentucky University, had a great spring highlighted by five home runs.

West Michigan manager Joe DePastino said catching suits Newton.

"Tools-wise, he's a big leaguer and he understands if he's going to get to the big leagues, it will be behind the plate," DePastino said.

As a former catcher (13 seasons in the minor leagues), DePastino said he works with the catchers every day for 15 minutes on the simple things: footwork, release and positioning.

"Those are the things that need to be worked on to keep your rhythm behind the plate," he said.

"(Newton) has some work to do after not playing behind the plate most of last season, but he has done a good job to this point."

Newton is among eight players returning to Class A with the Whitecaps.

"I was hoping to go to Lakeland (this season), but if I have to repeat at a place, this is a good place to come back to," he said.